SALT LAKE CITY—John Sweetenham, M.D., currently a Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego, and Medical Director of the UCSD University of Nevada Cancer Institute, has been appointed Senior Director of Clinical Affairs and Executive Medical Director at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), and Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematologic Oncology at the University of Utah after a national search. He will assume his post April 1.
"Dr. Sweetenham is a distinguished clinician with an outstanding record of accomplishments in the leadership of major cancer centers. He is a nationally-recognized expert in the treatment of patients with lymphomas and other hematologic malignancies," said Mary Beckerle, Ph.D., CEO, and Director of Huntsman Cancer Institute. "His expertise in the field of oncology will enhance HCI's ability to provide more and better treatment options to our patients."
According to David Entwistle, CEO of University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, "Dr. Sweetenham is a nationally respected clinician, scientist and administrator. His background and experience complement the remarkable team already in place at the University's Huntsman Cancer Institute and enhances its reputation as one of the best cancer programs in the country."
"In this time of radical changes in healthcare, Dr. Sweetenham has the skills and experience necessary," said Joseph V. Simone, M.D., president of Simone Consulting and former director of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, physician-in-chief of Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and senior director of clinical affairs at HCI. "He is highly respected in the oncology community and will be a great asset to HCI and the University of Utah health system."
Sweetenham has served in various leadership capacities at academic medical centers across the country, including the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Colorado. He trained at the Medical College of St. Bartholomew's in London and completed oncology fellowships focusing in clinical research at the University of Southampton in London.
The author of more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, Sweetenham also served on the editorial board of several medical journals, including a stint as editor-in-chief of Hematological Oncology. In addition, he has received several honors. He was named in US News & World Report's Top Doctors (2011-2012) and Best Doctors in America from 2003-2012. In 2008, he was named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
He replaces Randall Burt, M.D., who served as interim medical director during the past year.
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The mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at The University of Utah is to understand cancer from its beginnings, to use that knowledge in the creation and improvement of cancer treatments, to relieve the suffering of cancer patients, and to provide education about cancer risk, prevention, and care. HCI is a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, which means that it meets the highest national standards for world-class, state-of-the-art programs in multidisciplinary cancer research and receives support for its scientific endeavors. HCI is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a not-for-profit alliance of the world's leading cancer centers dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer. For more information about HCI, please visit www.huntsmancancer.org.